A HEADTEACHER has been praised after an Accrington school was rated ‘outstanding’.

St John with St Augustine CE Primary School was given the rating following a SIAMS inspection, which looks at the Christian ethos of the school.

In 2012 Ofsted placed the Maudsley Street school in special measures after the teaching was found to be inadequate, but after a remarkable turn-around it leaped to a ‘good’ rating just two years later.

Head Mark Proctor, who joined in 2013, said thanks to the staff the school has gone from strength-to-strength.

The SIAMS report highlighted the exemplary behaviour of pupils, the leadership and vision of the headteacher, the relationships between pupils and staff and support for vulnerable pupils and families as key strengths.

Inspector Lesley Brookbanks said Christian values are ‘truly lived out by all members of the school community’.

She said: “Parents speak highly of the school and how Christian values influence their child’s positive actions at home.

“Relationships at all levels are exceptional ensuring pupils know they are loved and matter to the adults in school. Consequently, they feel safe and happy and identify who they would talk to if they need to share a worry.

“The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is given high priority.

“Pupils have a growing awareness and understanding of multicultural Christianity and celebrate diversity throughout their learning. This is carefully planned for in RE and across the wider curriculum.”

She said the school’s positive approach to behaviour management and support for vulnerable pupils and families is ‘exceptional and rooted in Christian love’.

“Its high level of success is reflected in above average attendance and the good progress made by all pupils,” she said.

“Many enter school with attainment below national expectations. However, all ability groups achieve effectively because the school knows its pupils extremely well and meets their individual needs appropriately.”

Mrs Brookbanks said the leadership and vision of the headteacher in driving forward developments as a church school is exemplary while a strong and enthusiastic team of staff and governors ably support him.

Mr Proctor said: “All the staff at the school are completely dedicated to improving the lives of our children and they all work extremely hard. “

“This wonderful result is a great recognition of the fabulous work the school does day in day out. This judgement now gives us inspiration to improve our school even further.”